decisions in communication

By Michelle Anderson

Critical Thinking

Marteney

Is a learned pattern of acting or thinking and it’s a result of our habit or repetition.

We respond to a given situation.

To avoid getting in trouble, as critical thinkers, we need to be think carefully before crossing the street.

Hidden persuaders such as the use of visual stimuli, accelerated speech, use of embedded images and hidden messages help influence our decision making.

Allows us to examine all the information

available.

We are actively participating in the

decision making process.

Is influenced by credible sources,

authority figures, one’s peers, groupthink

and the interpersonal needs for

affection, inclusion and control.

Are those that we trust and look to for

help or guidance in making a decision.

American advertisers use yearly polls to

determine which celebrities are popular

called Q-rating.

We are more likely to trust people that

are more credible.

Occurs when we voluntarily seeks the

support/approval of others as the basis

for our decision making.

Can be highly influential from using

drugs, smoking/drinking and shoplifting.

We are influenced by peer groups even

if they are strangers.

Irving Janis defines it as the mode of thinking that persons engage in when concurrent co-seeking becomes so dominant in a cohesive in-group that it tends to override any realistic appraisal of any alternative courses of action.

Occurs when we desire cohesiveness and harmony within a group.

Spouses suffer from groupthink when they choose not to argue with their spouses even when they disagree with their decision.

Is the first interpersonal need to have in

our lives.

We need to be loved and give love to

others.

Our need for intimacy is satisfied through

close physical and emotional one-to-

one relationships as we mature.

Is the need to exert some real

power/influence over our decision-

making in a relationship.

This need is fulfilled after we are given

responsibility for the outcome of our

decision.

Can be fulfilled by a group.

Our need for being a group member.

We view probability calculations

differently.

Careful calculations, experiences,

predictions, observations and analysis

weigh heavily as factors shaping the

probability that we have a valid claim.

Ask Questions; be willing to wonder.

Define the Problem.

What evidence supports or refutes this argument and its opposition?

Analyze Assumptions and Biases.

Control Emotional reasoning.

Don’t Oversimplify.

Consider other Interpretations.

Tolerate Uncertainty.

First, we focus on the outcomes or the

results of our decision making process.

We must also examine the process used

to make our decisions.

We must be aware of the ethical

implications of the decisions we make.

Therefore, we need disciplined thinking

to make good decisions.